Six Ancient Towns: Wuzhen

Wuzhen, one of the six ancient towns in the Jiangnan region of China, is located in Tongxiang City, Zhejiang Province. It is a typical water town with a rich history and beautiful scenery, resembling a delicate Jiangnan ink painting. Recently, I had the opportunity to visit Wuzhen for three days and two nights and was deeply impressed by its charm. Here are my thoughts on the trip. Day 1: First Encounter with Wuzhen Morning: Arrival in Wuzhen and Tour of Dongzha Starting from Hangzhou, it took about an hour and a half by car to reach Wuzhen. The town is easily accessible, with options for self-driving, train, or bus. Upon arrival, I chose to visit the Dongzha Scenic Area first. Dongzha is relatively quiet and quaint, making it an excellent place to learn about Wuzhen's history and culture. Entering Dongzha, I was immediately drawn to the winding stone-paved road. On both sides were traditional Jiangnan-style white-walled, black-tiled houses. Walking along the river, it felt like stepping into another time. The waterways in Dongzha are narrow but clear, with occasional small boats gliding by and ancient stone bridges connecting the banks. Although there aren't many attractions here, each one is steeped in history. For example, Dongzha Old Street retains the original appearance of a Jiangnan water town, and there are cultural landmarks like the Zhang Ruoxu Memorial Hall and the Wuzhen Grand Theatre. For lunch, I dined at a waterside restaurant in Dongzha, savoring authentic Wuzhen whitefish and local delicacies. The whitefish was tender and fresh, perfectly complementing the elegant atmosphere of the water town. Afternoon: Exploring Xizha and Experiencing the Ancient Town's Charm In the afternoon, I headed to another major scenic area in Wuzhen—Xizha. Compared to Dongzha, Xizha is more expansive and has a stronger commercial vibe, yet it still retains the traditional Jiangnan style. Xizha offers more tourist facilities and shopping spots, with various exquisite shops and handicraft stores that kept me captivated. I bought some locally distinctive souvenirs here. One of the most famous attractions in Xizha is the Wuzhen Folk Museum. The museum exhibits artifacts and documents related to Wuzhen's history, narrating the rise and fall of this Jiangnan water town. The displays cover many aspects of ancient water town culture, such as textiles, ceramics, and fishing. Through the museum visit, I gained a deeper understanding of Wuzhen's long history and rich cultural heritage. The evening in Xizha is enchanting, with lights reflecting on the water, creating another beautiful scene. For dinner, I chose a local tavern and enjoyed authentic Wuzhen braised duck and pan-fried buns. Day 2: In-depth Experience of Wuzhen's Charm Morning: Visiting Cultural Attractions in Wuzhen On the second day, I decided to delve deeper into Wuzhen's culture and history. In the morning, I first visited the Wuzhen Museum. The museum showcases many exhibits and documents related to Wuzhen's history, narrating the rise and fall of this Jiangnan water town. The displays cover many aspects of ancient water town culture, such as textiles, ceramics, and fishing. Through the museum visit, I gained a deeper understanding of Wuzhen's long history and rich cultural heritage. Next, I visited the traditional opera stage and the distillery. In Wuzhen, there are not only traditional water town landscapes but also rich folk art and culture. The opera stage is where local residents perform traditional operas. Although I didn't get to watch a performance, I could still feel the strong opera atmosphere. Additionally, the distillery showcased traditional wine culture and the brewing process, which was fascinating for a history and culture enthusiast like me. Afternoon: Wuzhen's Cuisine and Handicraft Experience Wuzhen's cuisine is also not to be missed. After lunch, I participated in a handicraft experience activity. Wuzhen is famous for its traditional blue calico and embroidery, which are full of Jiangnan charm. In the workshop, I personally experienced the process of making blue calico. Although it was just a simple experience, I felt the craftsmanship and meticulousness behind these traditional techniques. The water alleys of Wuzhen also have many unique snack stalls. Street snacks like fried dough twists, stinky tofu, and osmanthus lotus root are popular among tourists. I tried the fried dough twists, which were crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with an irresistible aroma. Evening: Night Tour of Xizha In the evening, I returned to Xizha, which had transformed completely. The water reflected the colorful lights, and the ancient streets and buildings appeared even more mysterious and beautiful under the lights. I strolled along the water alleys of Xizha and took a ride on a traditional Wupeng boat, drifting on the tranquil waterways. It felt like traveling back in time to the ancient Jiangnan of hundreds of years ago. Day 3: Embracing Wuzhen's Slow Pace Morning: Exploring Wuzhen's Countryside On the last morning, I didn't rush to the scenic areas but chose to walk in the countryside outside the town. These areas are relatively quiet, away from the hustle and bustle of tourists. The rural scenery around Wuzhen is peaceful and comfortable. The morning air was fresh, and with a gentle breeze, I walked along the country paths, feeling the strong Jiangnan atmosphere. Noon: Enjoying the Last Moments Before leaving, I sat down in a small café in Wuzhen and enjoyed a relaxing lunch. Sipping coffee and tasting desserts, I quietly watched the passersby and the occasional Wupeng boat, savoring the unique slow-paced life of Wuzhen. Conclusion The three-day, two-night trip to Wuzhen left a deep impression on me. Wuzhen is not just a tourist destination but a town full of cultural and historical significance. Its beautiful water town scenery, long history, and unique folk culture attract thousands of tourists. Here, I slowed down and immersed myself in the tranquility and beauty of the Jiangnan water town. Whether it's the ancient streets, traditional customs, or the culturally rich museums and theaters, I felt the unique charm of Wuzhen. This ancient town is worth visiting, whether as a tourist or an explorer.